Economy isn't the only reason India matters to Britain. There's also its democracy with its three million elected representatives — a beacon to our world.

It's a real pleasure to be back in India. This is my third trip here and with each visit, time seems to have leaped forward by decades in just a few years. It is exhilarating to see a country growing at super-speed before your eyes. But I'm not just here to enjoy the energy of this country. I'm here with a very clear purpose: to renew the relationship between India and Britain — to re-launch a relationship that is stronger, wider and deeper. Both our countries have talked about it long enough. Now it's time to turn those words into reality.

To show how serious I am, I have brought with me the biggest visiting delegation of any British Prime Minister in recent memory: members of my cabinet, industry leaders, top businessmen and women, figures from the arts, sports and local government. We're all here to make the case that this deeper relationship will be beneficial not just for our own countries, but for the world.

From the British perspective, it's clear why India matters. Most obviously, there is the dynamism of your economy. In the U.S., they used to say: “Go West, young man” to find opportunity and fortune. For today's entrepreneurs, the real promise is in the East. But your economy isn't the only reason India matters to Britain. There's also your democracy with its three million elected representatives — a beacon to our world. There is your tradition of tolerance, with dozens of faiths and hundreds of languages living side by side — a lesson to our world. And there is this country's sense of responsibility. Whether it's donating reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan, peacekeeping in Sierra Leone or providing intellectual leadership in the G20, India is a source of strength to our world.

So it's clear why India matters to Britain. But why should Britain matter to India? I believe our two countries are natural partners. We have deep and close connections among our people, with nearly two million people of Indian origin living in the U.K. We share so much culturally, whether it's watching Shah Rukh Khan, eating the same food or watching cricket. Beyond the cultural bonds, Britain has practical attractions for India. We speak the world's language. We are still the world's sixth largest manufacturer and the best base for companies wanting to do business in Europe. We have some of the best universities in the world and we are a great hub for science and innovation. Britain still has the strengths of its history, not least our democracy, rule of law and strong institutions, but there is also the modern dynamism of the nation that helped pioneer the internet, unravel the DNA code and whose music, films and television are admired the world over. All of these things can mean opportunity for Indian investors and entrepreneurs.

So if these are the foundations of a stronger relationship, how can that relationship benefit our countries and the wider world? I believe there are three global challenges we must take on together.

The first challenge is economic. In the past couple of years, we have seen global economic turmoil. Now both our nations must ask how we can emerge from the storm stronger and more prosperous. We come at this challenge from very different angles. On any measure, India's economy is on an upward trajectory. In Britain, we're waking up to a new reality. For centuries my country assumed we could set the global economic pace. But economic power is shifting — particularly to Asia — so Britain has to work harder than ever before to earn its living in the world. I'm not ashamed to say that's one of the reasons why I'm here in India. I believe that to spread opportunity for all our people, from Delhi to Dundee, Bangalore to Birmingham, we would benefit from a common strategy for economic growth.

We must start by making our own economies as open and dynamic as possible. That's why within fifty days of coming into power, our government introduced an emergency budget to cut red tape, reduce corporation tax rates, improve our infrastructure and show that Britain is open for business. Next, both India and Britain must encourage more investment from each others' countries. Companies like Vodafone, Wipro and Infosys are showing the way — now let's go further. Yes, that means bringing together the best and brightest from both our countries through scholarships and by twinning universities. But it also means doing the more difficult thing of opening up our own economies to foreign direct investment. We have welcomed your expertise in car manufacturing and steel production; and we need you to reduce the barriers to foreign investment in legal services, defence, banking and insurance.

But perhaps the biggest economic boost of all will come from more trade. EU-India trade is worth £50 billion a year already — and I'm determined we expand that by sorting out an EU and India Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. We also need to hammer out a global deal. Agreement on Doha would add $170 billion to the world economy. Together we need to make the argument that we will only get things moving on Doha if we expand it — because when the pie gets bigger, we'll all get a greater share. So let's demonstrate our commitment by opening up our economies and showing we mean business.

The second challenge we must meet together is ensuring global security. Both India and Britain have suffered grievously at the hands of terrorists. We've worked together in the fight against terrorism before and I'm here in India to propose an even closer security relationship. This year and in 2012, Delhi and London are hosting the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. It makes sense that we co-operate closely to ensure both are as safe as possible. It also makes sense for us to share expertise on defence technology — as we've seen with the building of Jaguar and Hawk aircraft in India in recent decades. And when it comes to the security of our people, we cannot ignore what's happening in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Let me be clear: India's relations with those countries are a matter for you — and you alone. But because when we both want to see a Pakistan free from terror, when we both want to see an Afghanistan that is secure in its own right, again it makes sense that we work together to realise those interests.

The third challenge we must meet together is climate change. Decisive action is long overdue — and that must be global action, with all major economies playing their part. It's only fair that those with the longest history of carbon emissions make the biggest contribution to this. But it's also fair that the largest polluting countries contribute too. Indian action is of course different to U.K. action. We know that India's development needs mean that its energy needs and carbon emissions will have to grow. But by working together, we can help you avoid some of the high carbon mistakes we made.

So this is the case I'm making for a stronger, wider, deeper relationship between India and Britain. I have come to your country in a spirit of humility. I know that Britain cannot rely on sentiment and shared history for a place in India's future. Your country has the whole world beating a path to its door. But I believe Britain should be India's partner of choice in the years ahead. Starting this week, that is what we are determined to deliver.

West is stressing too much on global warming. Something is fishy, if planet's temp rises and drops 3 to 4 degree C every 30 years that means global warming is normal, so why West was trying to tax Developing Countries in Copenhagen G20 in name of carbon emissions?

from:
deep

Posted on: Nov 15, 2010 at 11:25 IST

India should get into business collaborations with UK, but in her own terms.

from:
ASR.

Posted on: Jul 31, 2010 at 11:02 IST

we're glad to invite you to delhi , where its the right time to build a strategic and economic partnership with London. Historically we're trading partners.I must thank citizens of united kingdom that , without english , India cannot be able to become a regional super power and its Influence in the International affairs. Easing the Immigration system for indians will do lot better for both the democracies.

from:
Murali krishna

Posted on: Jul 30, 2010 at 10:27 IST

I strongly disagree with some of the comments about Indians suffering in UK. It cannot be further away from truth. Extrapolating one person's predicament & generalizing about the whole Indian diaspora is rather disingenuous. I came to this country about 11 yrs back, this country has provided me with all the opportunities that is appropriate & rightful for my skills, I am rightly remunerated and I am rightly grateful. It is time to move beyond the colonial mentality. We must also not forget that without the power of English, India could not have achieved so much so quickly.

from:
Raj

Posted on: Jul 29, 2010 at 18:02 IST

I think he's done a pretty good job in saying India matters to Britain. I am an Indian working in London, and I know the country is struggling to balance its books. Taxes are some of highest in the world and wages are relatively lower. Britain is falling, and needs to establish strong partners if it wants a place in the race.

There is a lot of praise in the speech as should be expected from any foreign delegation. Why do we jump to say it's all manufactured?

from:
Sagar Doot

Posted on: Jul 29, 2010 at 14:56 IST

I find it disturbing that there are many negative comments here about the new British PM when he is now in India as an invited guest. This is no way to treat a person who is visiting India as a guest of the government. India and UK have a long historical connections (many of which positive and negative). However, we must make every effort to look at the positives from this special relationship and build a better future rather than harping on the past. Let us learn to forgive and forget for a better India. UK can also address the genuine concerns expressed here and I am certain they will. British know very well that India has a bright future and will play a much larger role in world affairs in the years to come.

from:
Pacha Nambi

Posted on: Jul 29, 2010 at 10:08 IST

When the Brits last time came to India, in the name of business,trade and mutual benefit, what they gave India was migraine (Kashmir)and they divided India into two pieces.

from:
gandhi

Posted on: Jul 29, 2010 at 06:14 IST

To Arun above:
I studied in the UK, did my Masters, spent close to £10k. But I managed to find a job, the thing with UK they give you the job if your CV looks good and you have the meat. Once you get into one job, it's easy to get the next one. Another point: the British appreciate a good English accent with the syllables stressed at the right places. Many Indians have become multi-millionaires and Indian billionaires have all parked some of their assets here. You can take my word for this.

from:
Ajay Nalluri

Posted on: Jul 29, 2010 at 05:18 IST

The British view of India is hard to change because they lived in this country for over 200 years and seen how Indians do their things first hand. For the British to drastically change their view of India, India has to start dealing with the 500 million or more Indians living in poverty: that's a population greater than the size of Europe. That's the root of the view of the Brits towards Indians. Western culture is based on logic and Indian culture is not. That's why they find it hard to understand Indians and it's easier for them to stereotype India. Indians have to realize this. Britain is still a two trillion dollar economy with a population of only 55 million. India's economy is approximately 2 trillion dollars but with more 1100 million population. So there's something to gain from UK especially in the infrastructure and in the engineering sector. The London 2012 Olympics infrastructure is running full steam ahead and the construction work is completing well within schedule beating deadlines. So, we have lot to learn from the UK. I believe India also need some humility in stepping up and standing shoulder to shoulder with UK though it's obvious who's growing taller.

from:
Ajay Nalluri

Posted on: Jul 29, 2010 at 04:39 IST

Mr. David Cameron made a good speech to improve just Business Relationship and India will respond to it accordingly.

from:
Sridhar

Posted on: Jul 29, 2010 at 01:21 IST

I will take the visiting PM's word for it. He seems to be a totally different type of politician; comparing him with any of his predecessors or comparing his action with Britain's colonial past is a huge mistake.

from:
Indu S Das

Posted on: Jul 29, 2010 at 01:09 IST

I don't believe him...

This is how they came when they were strong and we were weak...
India should find its own ways of developing infrastructure; we don't need to copy theirs..

from:
shashi

Posted on: Jul 29, 2010 at 01:09 IST

'We have deep and close connections among our people, with nearly two million people of Indian origin living in the U.K. We share so much culturally,'
At last the British government has found a useful role for me, one of its 2 million p.i.o's! unfortunately, this appreciation isn't extended to us by the rest of the population, just ask the next UK p.i.o that you meet about our 'special relationship'.

from:
tee

Posted on: Jul 29, 2010 at 00:30 IST

While a great sentiment, I would like to point out that doing business in the UK is very expensive - almost all costs including labor, lodging travel etc. I remember an instance where we were told by our managers not to bother with the UK stalls in an exhibition due to these factors. In this sense the US seems to be more cost effective. Is the British Prime Minister going to do something about making UK cost effective ?.

from:
Pradeep

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 23:53 IST

Welcome, Mr.Cameron your vision is so liberal and strategy clear. We Indians are so hearty and understand your message well.

from:
arjun

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 23:11 IST

A wonderful write-up indeed! There seems a lot to be anticipated in the near future, which is certainly a welcome thing. However, there are some issues that need a much transparent stand and one of them is the immigration. Indians love and long for UK education. It would not be altogether incorrect to say that in building modern India UK has played a vital role. Though English is one of our languages today, it is given by the British. UK needs to keep the doors for education open so as to realise 'a stronger, wider, deeper relationship' with India.

from:
Krishna Kalyan Dixit

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 22:44 IST

I was in the audience at Infosys this morning when David Cameron gave this talk. He seemed like an over eager ambassador , pitching real hard to get a piece of the Indian economic and market pie . He pushed the agenda hard on developing partnerships to further the British economy, trying to be more open about bilateral trade and eagerly wanting India to relax policies to allow more British companies to set up base in India. He went on endlessly about the innumerable number of areas both nations could cooperate on, bordering on despondency! And on a TV interview I saw later, he was distinctly uncomfortable on the question of immigration into the UK and was cautiously trying to sound convincing about " having only good Indian talent and the right kind of people migrating to or living in the UK ". It is nice that there is a role reversal now ( after 2 centuries almost ?? ) and glad that Britain wants India now so badly . The empire strikes back and how ! Wow !

from:
Meera Harish

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 22:43 IST

Well written piece. But we still need to adopt a calculative approach while dealing with 'opening economies to trade' and, especially FDI.

from:
Raghu V

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 22:36 IST

Since independence from Britain, India has made tremendous progress in technology.Despite tremendous challenges peculiar to Indian sub-continent,India has made great strides. But this is not enough. India has to compete in world market and this requires cooperation from educated west. David Cameron is naive to the extent that Indians are not being allowed into UK in large numbers as before. How about the treatment of those who are already in UK. There is subtle racism which can be felt but cannot do anything. This helplessness will trigger protests in India to do business in UK, despite all the rhetoric from David Cameron.

from:
Nagaraja Rao Toronto

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 22:06 IST

Dear all,
India is like hot cake for other contries to regain their strength from global turmoil. Here the intention of developed nations is single window policy only and is disguised as bilateral ties. Now the ball is in our court, play safe & get the benefits to India.

from:
nanda

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 21:33 IST

Why should Indians look to work in UK ? Stay in your home country and make it better than UK. If you still desire to work & live in another country - learn to follow the laws there and be ready to pay up.

from:
Sunil W

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 20:45 IST

It reminds me of the days of Emperor Jehangir.

from:
G.V.Gupta

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 20:37 IST

This is clearly an admittance by the British leader that without the jewel in the crown, Britain is nothing and will soon fade away. So, the neocolonialist sentiment is tripe. In the end, when all seem to go on the British way, every Indian business will be under the British control and the ordinary Indian will lead an enslaved life.

from:
musawi melake

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 20:15 IST

Mr. Cameron an Eton graduate is quite intelligent, and has realised the potentials of India and China with their massive population rather quickly compared to his predecessors. As a foreign worker in UK I've realised and adore the quality and organizational abilities of the British people and befriending them would only raise our country's civil etiquette, workmanship, development, intelligence, and regard for fellow human beings.

from:
Prashant Arora

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 20:13 IST

The Prime Minister's words resonate effectiveness and brilliance. Whilst the two nations have different perspectives on issues, the current British move is an absolute breakthrough in what can herald an era of a relationship that is stronger and effective. A powerful Anglo-Indian relationship will be mutually fruitful given the strong cultural ties we share, not to mention our shared history. It is not wrong to say that no country understands the Indian psyche better than Britain and to have a gentleman like Mr.Cameron at 10 Downing Street is a sterling occasion for both nations. Cheers.

from:
Abhinav Charan

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 19:42 IST

Mr Cameron, I appreciate the spirit of humility, but if I may say so, you make a better case for Britain needing India than the other way around. How is reducing funding and putting a cap on immigration a two-way relationship? How will you "bring together" the best and brightest by shutting the door? Are the flights from Birmingham to Bangalore and Dundee to Delhi going to be a one way ticket?

from:
Gaurav

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 19:02 IST

Re: D Chandra Sekhar comment.

I was born and raised in the UK - my parents were born in the Punjab and came to the UK in the 60s. I have never experienced your assertion about "third class citizenship". In fact, the UK is a land of great opportunity for people with a positive attitude and hard work ethic. That is why so many Indians have done so well here. POIs make a huge contribution to the UK and this is very much recognised and commented on.

Also our countries share a moral framework and a sense of fair play which is missing in many other European countries and in the US.

I for one look forward to a closer relationship between these two great peoples.

from:
P.Singh

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 18:59 IST

I think this is fantastic - this is a path breaking speech from a British Prime Minister for the first time in our shared history regarding British-Indian relationship. Britain and India have so much to benefit from each other. Indians are running the great Jaguar car company along with Land Rover and Indians are at the helm of Corus the top British steel producer. And likewise Vodafone the largest British telecom is a major player now in India. I totally think that this British PM means real business and he speaks his mind, he's pragmatic and he's a realist. Forget the past, squeeze out the bad stuff and build on this foundation as the Brits themselves are laying the first cornerstone for a new British-Indian edifice. Britain has much to offer India on par with the US and Japan and now that the British PM comes out candidly with his mind and backs up by what he means with the size and kind of delegation he brought with him, Indians need not hesitate, but seriously get down to business. After all, despite the great wealth created across the length and breadth of the country, we know that a vast rural India has a great potential to be tapped and unleashed and to be lifted out of the throes of poverty. It only behooves and helps to let another major industrial economy to come and set up office offering some of the best of the world in technology, engineering, finance and education, to help build a fairer India - to one and for every Indian. God bless India!

from:
Ajay Nalluri

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 18:26 IST

On the second note of security relationships, I would like to remind Mr. David Cameron that India has suffered a lot because of terrorism and the U. K. has not helped India a bit. In fact the U. K.,under the previous Labour Govt., made sure the misery of Indian continues to grow even more. Let me cite one example, When India tried in the UN to ban some Pakistan based terrorists like Masood Azhar and their organizations, Britain was the only country that opposed it. India currently doesn't enjoy the same security relationship with Britain as the U. S., Australia and New Zealand do. Until his Govt. works hard to enable this kind of cooperation, any talk of building new relationship is a futile exercise.

from:
Naveen Kumar

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 18:14 IST

Car manufacturing and steel production are real things. So Indians have invested in making real things.

Most of legal services, banking and insurance are parasitical activities. Defence needs to disappear if countries have good relations between them. So it looks like Mr Cameron wants Indian government to lift restrictions only in non-essential sectors. UK wants to invest not in manufacturing real goods and services that can help Indian masses.

Indian mass-economy is mostly cash based. So credit-crunch created by banks does not affect her masses. Her society is by and large non-litiguous. Most Indians do not need legal advice particularly from foreigners. Most Indians do not need to be insured by foreigners. Look at AIG and it should be clear what kind of insurance such companies provide.

Indians need to look very carefully what these three cherished sectors (legal services, banking and insurance) where UK is supposed to have such great expertise.

UK has neglected manufacturing in consumer goods production for at least a generation.

from:
Dr Alok Kumar Bhattacharyya

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 15:20 IST

I is a nice essay but Iwant to share that we have to also work on racism.That's also a big factor that make us uncomfortable

from:
baldev

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 15:07 IST

I am really glad to see an open-letter written by the British Prime Minister seeking India's help. Mr Cameron welcomes Indian investments in Britain and Indian students in the British Universities. However he is very careful not to welcome Indians to work in the United Kingdom.

Being an Indian student pursuing higher education in the UK and paying in five-figures in GBP every year towards tuition fee, I personally found that it is not worthy enough to pursue higher education in this country as there is a proposed restriction on work permits by Mr Cameron, which mainly targets the elite Indian population. Before he gets what he wants, Indian government should sort this out once and for all with him.

from:
Arun

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 14:42 IST

I hope Mr Cameron does not betray his fine words. It is good to see humility from a visiting western politician. The more direct patronizing approach of his labour predecessors meant that legitimate concerns over the troubled areas of India such as Jammu & Kashmir was not even heard here. It would be easier to feign humility while in search of lucrative trade deals. We have too many politicians and tradesmen trying to cut deals. If Mr Cameron is able respectfully to raise the issue of the ten year satyagraha of Irom Sharmila Chanu striving through non-violent democratic protest to secure protection of her fellow citizens from a draconian law and facilitate the repeal of AF(SP)A and secure her release he will have done more for the enhanced relationship he seeks than all the trade deals

from:
Desmond M Coutinho

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 14:24 IST

An extrodinary write-up.

from:
V.Srinivasan

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 08:14 IST

Don't believe a word that Cameron tells. Indians are suffering in his rule in the UK.

from:
Dr. Babu John

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 01:45 IST

Mr. Cameron,
When you say, "We must start by making our own economies as open and dynamic as possible", do you really mean it? How can you mean it when you are closing your own doors to keep Indian labor out of UK or do you simply want to have your cake and eat it too?

from:
Nishant

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 01:44 IST

An excellant and typically British candid view of Indo-British relationship by the Prime Minister David Cameron. I for one have always been a strong advocate of Indo-British relationship. We need to put our past aside and move on to a new era of friendship. Afterall, the newly indepedent USA crafted their constitution based on the principles of Magna Carta and forged a "special relationship " with the British.

from:
vinod k. vinjamuri M.D.

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 00:27 IST

Though David Cameron's visit is purely for the development of Britain's economy and an opportunity to bail his country out of the crisis, he sounds atleast humble and pragmatic (accepting the Britain needs India rather than the other way around).

A very important point he has made about Indo/Pak, is stating that it's our issue (and our alone) which is in stark contrast to what David Miliband tried to do (he poked his nose into the Indo/Pak issue and got snubbed not long ago).

I think Cameron scored a few points in being humble and pragmatic, though this might not turn into something he expects, this will turn out to be a decent start.

from:
Dsign

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 00:24 IST

You are welcome David, but there is one point I want to correct you on. You said "Both India and Britain have suffered grievously at the hands of terrorists". True, except that we keep suffering and it doesn't alleviate. This must not give the readers a wrong impression that we share the same grief. But if you intend to "help us avoid greatest carbon mistakes you've made" you are only welcomed more.

from:
Juzer Ali

Posted on: Jul 28, 2010 at 00:07 IST

All the cleverly written words are nice to hear form the person who is so averse to immigration in his own country. The Indians are always treated as third class citizen no matter what they contributed to the Britain's success.

Hence India should take these words very carefully and do their own homework first. Also india should not listen to other developed countries at this point of time rather they should find their own way of creating new economy/technology/education sector.

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